ON Thursday, December 6, Ledbury residents will have the opportunity to vote on a plan that will shape the development of the town for years to come.

Residents will be able to vote in a referendum on whether or not to accept the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP).

The NDP , if adopted, will have a major impact on the way Ledbury develops, including housing, and it comes at a time when developers are circling.

Nina Shields, Chairman of Ledbury Town Council, said: “Once the plan is adopted, we can work on making it stronger.

“In particular we want to try to identify land for sports facilities and land for improved health care facilities. In doing this we will also be working on defining the settlement boundary.”

Cllr Shields added: “Crucially such a boundary materially effects where new housing can be built.”

Local businessman, Paul Kinnaird also stressed the need for the local community to get behind the plan.

He said: “The acceptance of the NDP by Ledbury residents is essential to ensure developments meet the needs of local people, not of the desires of developers.”

The town council has organised a drop in session and exhibition to take place on Saturday December 1, from 10am to 1pm, in the council offices, Church Lane. Councillors will be at hand to answer any questions.

Cllr Shields added: “We are confident that if the town accepts the NDP, it will increase our protection against speculative developers. We will then work to strengthen that protection.”

Voting on December 6 will take place at the Community Hall, Ledbury Primary and Holy Trinity Church.